HSBC Premier Looks for Clients With Deep Pockets

HSBC provides a wealth management package called Premier for high-net-worth individuals. The global bank offers this special service in just a few select countries. Hong Kong and the UK are of course included as these locations are where the bank has its roots. U.S. residents are also eligible for HSBC Premier.

To qualify for HSBC Premier, you must have $100,000 in total assets with the financial conglomerate. This includes both deposit and investment balances. Bank assets can come from either personal or business accounts. HSBC also requires Premier customers to have a checking account. If these requirements are not met, there is a $50 monthly fee.

In return for the hundred grand, Premier clients get assistance from a financial advisor who is able to provide guidance in several important areas, including saving for retirement, buying a new house, planning for education, or making a career transition. Premier also provides assistance and advice with insurance planning and products.

Premier customers receive HSBC’s best rates on mortgages and a $1,500 rebate on closing costs. There is a maximum loan amount of $3,000,000, and up to four properties can be financed. There is a 20% down payment requirement for credit scores above 700. Lower scores may require larger deposits. Either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages can be used.

Borrowers who don’t have any credit history in the U.S. will have no worries, as HSBC is able to obtain an international credit report. The Premier package has a global emphasis, and the bank promises assistance in managing financial accounts from around the world. If you are enrolled in Premier in one country, you automatically receive Premier status in all other countries where the service is available.

If your wallet is ever lost or stolen while you have a Premier enrollment, HSBC will issue you up to $10,000 in emergency cash at any HSBC branch in the world or one of the bank’s affiliates.

The checking account that is a required part of a Premier membership has no minimum balance other than the $100,000, and this can be held anywhere in the HSBC family. Unfortunately, HSBC cash machines outside the U.S. may charge a fee for using the checking account’s World Mastercard debit card, which is an astonishing disappointment given Premier’s global focus. Foreign currency conversion fees may also be applied at an ATM, although not to purchases. The checking account pays a negligible amount of interest, so it’s probably best to keep the required hundred grand somewhere else.

There is also a Premier savings account that offers a higher APY and no monthly fee. If either the checking or savings account is closed within 6 months of account opening, HSBC will assess a $25 fee.

In addition to the deposit accounts, HSBC also offers an optional World Mastercard Premier credit card. It has no annual fee for Premier customers, although non-Premier clients can get the card for $95 per year.

The annual fee may be worth it as the card offers many nice perks, including a $50 statement credit to cover rides from Uber and Lyft. There is also an $85 rebate for the TSA’s Precheck application fee.

The HSBC Premier Mastercard earns two points for every dollar spent on travel expenses and one point on all other purchases. There is an additional 10% discount for any hotel or vacation home that is booked through Agoda, Expedia, or onefinestay. Points never expire, and they can be used on most airlines with no blackout dates.

The credit card comes with many other enticing benefits, including a satisfaction guarantee on any purchase under $250. If a merchant does not accept a return, and you’re not happy with the product, HSBC pays for it.

Price protection is also a standard benefit on the Premier card. If an item is advertised at a lower price within four months after purchase, HSBC will refund the difference.

Overall, the Premier package would be worth it if you have $100,000 and put the funds in an HSBC certificate of deposit, which consistently pays good rates.

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